Tenting a home for fumigation and/or applications of intense heat to eliminate termites is not cheap or convenient and it is only good for existing termites, not for future infestations. It requires the occupants leave the premises for a minimum of 72 hours, as well as remove all pets, plants, food, medicine, and cosmetics before treatment processes can even begin.

Furthermore, if you have a gas stove or fireplace, the natural gas must be shut-off for the duration of the tenting, and all pilot lights must be extinguished…just another inconvenience.

TENTLESS TERMITE treatments are preferred by homeowners in greater Tampa Bay, because they are much more cost-effective, less toxic to your home environment; and your family, pets and plants can safely remain in your residence while treatments are applied.

A special liquid insecticide is sprayed into walls, behind cabinets, and into cracks and crevices leading to dry wood surfaces throughout the interior and exterior of your home that smokey brown termites devour. The termites carry the insecticide back to their colonies where they all die. Moreover, the insecticide remains and soaks into the wood structures to inhibit the return of these destructive, wood-loving bugs for an extended period of time.

For subterranean (ground-dwelling) termites, an insecticide is sprayed along the ground surrounding your home, which the little critters will carry back to their colonies, rendering certain death to what can be hundreds of thousands of inhabitants.

If you’ve got a problem with termites, or any other pest…or you simply have a question…call Coby’s Tentless Termite and Pest Control today at 727-498-1977, and ask for Coby. He’ll be happy to speak with you anytime!

PS: And remember… As long as God keep’s makin’em, we’ll keep killin’em!

PSS: Don’t forget to ask about our FREE 58-Point Pest Analysis of your home or office!

Do you know the difference between frogs and toads? Coby McConnell, owner and president of Coby’s Tentless Termite and Pest Control, knows there is one significant difference about which you should be aware for the health and well-being of yourself, your family and your pets.

Frogs and toads are both tailless amphibians, but there are physical traits that sharply contrast one from the other. Frogs have smooth, moist skin, and are semi-aquatic. Their back legs are longer for jumping, and they are basically harmless.

One species, Bufo toads in Hillsborough County, became native to Florida when they were released in the state’s southern regions in 1955, to control white grubs in sugar cane crops. Bufo Marinus, are a different, potentially deadly breed.

Their skin is dry, rough and warty, they have bony, straight protrusions that align parallel on each side of the head, and their back legs are shorter than those of frogs. One significant trait of the dreaded Bufo toad, otherwise known as a Giant toad, or Cane toad, is the noticeable glands which are found as lumps behind their ears, above the shoulders. These glands release a poisonous secretion when the toads are threatened or handled.

These nasty amphibians are highly-skilled at finding their own food, and have even been known to eat pet food. Be aware, Bufo toads in Hillsborough County can be found practically anywhere, but particularly in your yard’s landscaping. If you come in contact with a Bufo toad, the secretion released can cause burning eyes and skin irritation. If your pet finds a Bufo and ingests the secreted toxin, it can be fatal.

According to Florida Wildlife Extension and the University of Florida, signs your pet may have Bufo toad poisoning include “drooling, head-shaking, crying, loss of coordination, and, in more serious cases, convulsions. The dog’s or cat’s gums often turn red, an indicator used by veterinarians to distinguish toad poisoning from epilepsy. For this reason, pet owners should be familiar with their pet’s normal gum color.”*

In cases of toad poisoning, you will want to thoroughly rinse your pet’s mouth, being careful that the rinse water isn’t swallowed. Examine your pet’s gums and mouth, and gently rub to remove the toxin. In any case, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

To humanely kill Bufo toads in Hillsborough County, first, be certain that is what you have. Cane toads have been mistaken for native frogs, so be mindful of the differences as stated above. Use gloves when handling to minimize exposure to the toad’s toxins, and put in a plastic zipper bag. Place it in the refrigerator until it goes to sleep, then pop it in the freezer. You will want to leave it in the freezer for several days to make sure it is dead. There are cases cited where these toads have “reawakened” after being in the freezer for too short a time.

If you’ve got a problem with Bufo toads, termites, or any other pest…or you simply have a question…call Coby’s Tentless Termite and Pest Control today at 727.462.0400 and ask for Coby. He’ll be happy to speak with you anytime!

Coby McConnell, owner and president of Coby’s Tentless Termite and Pest Control, is concerned your child’s sand shovel and pail may have blown around your yard during the torrential wind, rain and storms that accompanied Hurricane Hermine recently, and copious amounts of standing water in Tampa Bay remain within. Even small amounts of standing water are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

With the threat of the Zika virus already in Pinellas County, it is vital that you protect yourself, your family and your neighbors in the Tampa Bay area. Go in search of any and every area of standing water in your yard, and take appropriate measures to eliminate it. Pour it out, brush it away, or shake it off, no matter what you have to do, get rid of the standing water!

The type of mosquito that carries the Zika virus, Aedes aegypti, produces their larvae in containers that hold water. They reproduce quickly when wet, even in spaces as small as a bottle cap. That is why Coby knows how important it is to reduce and eliminate all areas of standing water in Tampa Bay promptly after showers and storms…and even after landscape irrigation systems complete watering cycles.

If you’ve got a problem with mosquitoes, or any other pest…or simply have a question…call Coby’s Tentless Termite and Pest Control today at 727.462.0400and ask for Coby. He’ll be happy to speak with you anytime!